Cole Hardware's Home Repair Referral Service

If I had a hammer, a power drill, a workshop, and a lot more free time, I just know I could get into DIY. But I live in a small city apartment, and the handiest tool I have is the phone number of Cole Hardware's home repair referral service.

This independent and beloved city hardware chain maintains a list of screened tradespeople and artisans that really runs the gamut of home handiwork: electricians, muralists, locksmiths, plumbers, upholsterers, painters, carpenters, door hangers...you get the idea. Best of all, referrals are free.

Lori at Cole Hardware will typically get back to you within 24 hours once you've shared the requisite info: your name, address, and a description of the job you need done. Lori's number is 415.753.2653 ext.3. You can also email her. Typically the tradesperson will offer to come to your home to assess the project and provide an estimate.

Cole Hardware's web site says: "Requirements for participation in our Home Repair Referral Service include expert knowledge within your trade, cleanliness and a friendly disposition...Tradespeople with our Home Repair Referral Service are "traveling ambassadors" of our stores."